04.09.24

Ranking Member Scott Urges Colleagues to Vote in Favor of Transformative Bill to Update Federal Workforce Development Programs

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby Scott” delivered the following floor remarks in support of H.R. 6655, the bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America Act. 

 

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Watch Ranking Member Scott’s floor remarks on YouTube.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. 

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act.

“Workers who are looking for higher-paying careers and businesses looking for skilled workers should be able to rely on our workforce development system. Unfortunately, decades of chronic disinvestment and lax quality standards in our workforce system have contributed to unsustainable, out-of-pocket costs for both workers and employers.

“I want to thank Dr. Foxx for her bipartisan cooperation. 

“This bill makes an array of critical improvements to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (or WIOA) in that will improve our workforce development system for everyone. And will help create a skilled workforce for the millions of new jobs created under the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Chips and Science Act. 

“Specifically, this bill would ensure that workers displaced from their jobs can access robust development systems, including through individual training accounts by guaranteeing they will receive a training voucher for no less than $5,000. This kind of investment will ensure displaced workers can pay for training in jobs that lead to high-quality, good-paying careers, like welding or nursing, among many others. 

“It also creates an emphasis on employer-led initiatives that equip workers with the skillsets they need to fill jobs in critical industries and help the currently employed workforce upskill to avoid displacement and advance their careers.

“Moreover, it will better serve individuals with barriers to employment, by codifying re-entry programs for justice-involved individuals and boosting summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth, who have become disconnected from school and work after the pandemic. 

“And, finally, it streamlines the ‘eligible training provider list’ to ensure programs are aligned with the skills and hiring demands and that state and local workforce boards are held accountable for achieving positive outcomes for program participants.

“In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support the A Stronger Workforce for America Act because it will create more opportunities for working Americans to gain a foothold in the middle class. Thank you, and I yield back.”

To read the fact sheet for A Stronger Workforce for America Actclick here.

To read the summary for A Stronger Workforce for America Actclick here.

To read the section-by-section for A Stronger Workforce for America Actclick here.

To read “What People Are Saying” about A Stronger Workforce for America Actclick here.

To read the bill text for A Stronger Workforce for America Actclick here.

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